Politics

Why APC Withdraws from Anambra LG Elections, Files Lawsuit

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 8th, 2024.

Why APC Withdraws from Anambra LG Elections, Files Lawsuit

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has announced its withdrawal from the local government elections scheduled for September 28, 2024. The party cites significant irregularities in the election process as the primary reason for its decision.

According to reports, the APC revealed its stance on Saturday, disclosing that it would challenge the election procedures in court. The party alleges that violations of due process have compromised the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

The APC asserts that participating in the election under the current conditions would amount to endorsing a flawed process. They argue that the formation of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and the election schedule did not comply with the requirements set out in the Electoral Act 2022.

The decision to boycott the elections was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s state headquarters in Awka. Key APC leaders, including Donatus Emecheta and Ikunwata Obadike, supported the move.

APC State Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike criticized ANSIEC and Governor Chukwuma Soludo for failing to provide adequate time for political parties to conduct primaries or campaign in accordance with the Electoral Act. He stated, “How can APC participate in an election where there has been insufficient time for primaries, no campaign rallies, and no form sales as mandated by the Electoral Act?”

Ejidike also raised concerns that Governor Soludo had preemptively set up a tribunal to address election disputes, questioning the governor’s commitment to a transparent election process. “We are challenging the process in court because, as the major opposition party in Anambra State, we must set an example,” he added. He also commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party for also taking legal action against the election irregularities.

The APC’s legal adviser, Chukwunoso Chinweuba, confirmed that the party has filed a lawsuit at the High Court, contesting the legality of the local government elections. He highlighted discrepancies between the ANSIEC Law 2024, which mandates a 30-day notice for elections, and the Electoral Act 2022, which requires a 150-day notice period.

The APC meeting also included a tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who previously represented Anambra South Senatorial District.

It is worth noting that local government elections have not been held in Anambra State for over a decade, with the last elections occurring in 2014. Since then, the state’s 21 local government areas have been managed by caretaker transition committee chairmen appointed every three months by the governor.